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Definition of tortoiseshell
1 : the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2 or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black
People Are Reading
Recent Examples of tortoiseshell from the Web
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Trinket Age: Approximately 4 Breed: Dilute tortoiseshellSex: Female Description: Trinket has come very far at our shelter.
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When your style is more minimalist, these interesting tortoiseshell with their futuristic rounded shape are a nice addition to your closet.
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The look was polished off with a pair of tortoiseshell frames (and, judging by Kling's creamy complexion, a healthy dose of SPF).
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The library discovered that the desk held three pairs of glasses, two tortoiseshell and one wire-framed.
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Instantly recognizable by her oversize tortoiseshell eyeglasses and Vidal Sassoon bob, Ms. Khanh was sometimes called the French Mary Quant, a reference to London’s leading Mod designer.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of tortoiseshell
1632
tortoiseshell
Definition of tortoiseshell
1 : made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring tortoiseshell glasses
2 : of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream
Recent Examples of tortoiseshell from the Web
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He was dressed casually but crisply, tortoiseshell glasses framing his face and a giant analog watch devouring his right wrist.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoiseshell'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of tortoiseshell
1651
TORTOISESHELL Defined for English Language Learners
tortoiseshell
playDefinition of tortoiseshell for English Language Learners
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: the usually brown and yellow shell of a turtle that is used to make decorations
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: a cat with yellow, orange, white, and black fur
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: a usually brown and orange butterfly
TORTOISESHELL Defined for Kids
tortoiseshell
playDefinition of tortoiseshell for Students
1 : a hard brown and yellow material that covers the shell of a sea tortoise used especially in the past for ornamental objects
2 : a brightly colored butterfly
Learn More about tortoiseshell
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See words that rhyme with tortoiseshell Spanish Central: Translation of tortoiseshell Nglish: Translation of tortoiseshell for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tortoiseshell
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